Neil Burkett

Tomorrow’s strike by junior doctors will have an impact on some operations and clinics at Kettering General Hospital, bosses say.

The 24-hour strike is due to start at 8am on Tuesday, January 12, and will see junior doctors provide emergency care only.

Kettering General Hospital medical director Dr Andrew Chilton said: “We are working closely with doctors, and staff of all grades, across all departments, to ensure the planned industrial action does not affect patient safety.

“We do anticipate there will be an impact by the action on some routine surgical lists and some outpatient clinics.

“Our message to patients is that they should attend their hospital appointments as normal unless they are advised by us otherwise.

“For any patients who will be affected we will be advising them of this in advance by phone call so we can rearrange their appointment.

“All emergency services – such as A&E and our emergency assessment units and emergency theatres – will be operational during this first day of action and so will our wards and departments.

“Clearly though there will be a level of reduced staffing in some areas and we would appeal to the public only to use emergency services if they absolutely have to during this period.

“While we are taking all possible steps to limit inconvenience and disruption we would like to apologise for any inconvenience that may arise as a result of the action.”

Talks between the British Medical Association and NHS Employers are ongoing, but will not prevent the strike going ahead, conciliation service Acas has said.

A further 48-hour strike is planned for Tuesday, January 26, when emergency care will again be staffed, and a full walk-out is planned from 8am to 5pm on Wednesday, February 10.